What to consider when buying A4 paper

There are a number of factors to take into consideration when it comes to purchasing A4 paper. In order to make the right decision, it’s wise to be well informed in regards to the paper’s weight, finish, colour and intended use. This article will examine these factors and provide useful information to help you make an informed decision.

Weight

Depending on what you want to achieve, certain paper weights will be much more effective than others. A4 paper comes in a range of different weights, but for common printing jobs, weights between 70 and 200 grams per square metre (GSM) are most common.

80 GSM – This weight is the standard weight used for everyday office document printing and normal use.

100 GSM is heavier than 80 GSM and is perfect for printing important documents. Many businesses have their stationery printed on 100 GSM A4 paper, as it provides a professional look and feel.

150 GSM is ideal for printing flyers and brochures, as it’s a sturdier grade of paper.

170 GSM is commonly used for posters or anything else that needs a thick and heavy paper stock.

If you’re unsure as to which paper grade is right for you, it’s a good idea to ask your local paper supplier for advice.

Colour

Colour is another important consideration when it comes to selecting A4 paper. While plain white is used for most office applications, coloured A4 paper can be very effective when it comes to printing items that need to be eye-catching, such as flyers and posters. A4 paper is available in a wide range of colours, including green, blue, yellow, orange, salmon, pink, purple and many others.

Finish

There are three main types of finish you can select from when it comes to A4 paper, and the type you choose can have a large effect of the look and feel of your finished product. The different finish types include glossy (coated), matte (coated) and uncoated. Uncoated paper is ideal for everyday printing that doesn’t have to look flash, while glossy coated colour A4 paper looks great for flyers and a matte coated finish will suit branded company stationery.

Other Considerations

There are several other considerations you should also take into account, including buying A4 paper in bulk and using recycled paper.

Bulk Buying

Dealing with a paper supplier and purchasing paper in bulk can definitely save your business money, so if you foresee your company needing to use a lot of paper, it’s a good idea to contact your preferred supplier and see what kind of discounts they offer for bulk orders.

Recycled Paper

Ethical paper companies will state on their A4 paper reams that their paper is ethically and sustainably sourced. Recycled paper requires less water, energy and chemicals to produce, but the finished product will still be of a high standard.

In Summary

Now that you know about A4 paper weight, colour, finish and other considerations, you can make a more informed decision when choosing A4 paper that meets your needs.